Is Tyson Chandler seriously opting-out?

We knew a few veteran players with big contracts and opt-out clauses would be entering free agency this July in order to avoid relying on the power of the union in its collective bargaining negotiations over the next year. Despite that, a few opt-out declarations have come as surprises.

Count Bobcats center Tyson Chandler among them. Chandler, a 27-year-old scheduled to make $12.6 million next season, is strongly considering opting out of his deal, reports ESPN’s Chad Ford.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Only a tier-one, creme de la creme player should opt-out, leave eight-figures on the table, and become a free agent.

Translation: unless you’re Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, or LeBron James, stay put. Average players – sorry, but that’s you Chandler – should enjoy the obscene contract they signed when times were good in the NBA because the free agent landscape has changed.

For the most part, free agency now favors the buyer. Teams dictate money. Teams dictate term. And average players no longer command obscene, Enron-inflated contracts.

Chandler, an injury-prone center, won’t get the money or a security he covets in free agency. His best option: not opting out and staying another year in Charlotte.